New York City to Offer a Third Gender on Birth Certificates

People born in New York City will soon be allowed to select a non-binary gender category on their birth certificates. The New York City Council and Board of Health voted this week to include gender category, “X,” beginning Jan. 1, 2019.

The legislation will also allow for the third gender marker to be used even without a doctor’s note or healthcare provider’s affidavit.

“Today is a historic day for New York in its role as a worldwide champion for inclusivity and equality,” City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said. “I especially want to thank the LGBTQ community for their advocacy and work on this issue to keep New York City in its rightful place as a leader in human rights.”